WAR  MEDALS 


OF 


BY 

BAUMAN  L.  BELDEN 


GREGORY  A.  WARDEN 


Gift  of  the 

Society  for  Iniuiiaaoaa]  Niunismaiics 


WAR  MEDALS 


OF 


BAUMAN  L.  BELDEN 


THE  AMERICAN  NUMISMATIC  SOCIETY 
BROADWAY  AT  lr,fiTH  STREET 


NEW  YORK 
1915 


ONE  HUNDRED  COPIES  REPRINTED  FROM 
THE  AMERICAN  JOURNAL  OF  NUMISMATICS 
VOLUME  XLVIII 


READ  BEFORE 

THE  AMERICAN  NUMISMATIC  SOCIETY 
DECEMBER  7,  1914 


This  booklet  is  being  reprinted  in  the  interest 
of  the  medallic  collectors  of  this  country. 

Permission  for  this  reprinting  has  been  given, 
graciously,  by  The  American  Numismatic  Society. 


WAR  MEDALS  OF  THE  CONFEDERACY 


BY  BAUMAN  L.  BKLDEN 

On  the  13th  of  October,  1862,  the  following  act  was  approved  by 
the  Confederate  Congress  : 

The  Congress  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America  do  enact,  That 
the  President  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  authorized  to  bestow  medals  with 
proper  devices  upon  such  officers  of  the  armies  of  the  Confederate 
States  as  shall  be  conspicuous  for  courage  and  good  conduct  on  the 
field  of  battle  ; and  also  to  confer  a badge  of  distinction  upon  one  pri- 
vate or  noncommissioned  officer  of  each  company  after  every  signal 
victory  it  shall  have  assisted  to  achieve.  The  noncommissioned  offi- 
cers and  privates  of  the  company  who  may  be  present  on  the  first  dress 
parade  thereafter  may  choose,  by  a majority  of  their  votes,  the  soldier 
best  entitled  to  receive  such  distinction,  whose  name  shall  be  com- 
municated to  the  President  by  commanding  officers  of  the  company  ; 
and  if  the  award  fall  upon  a deceased  soldier,  the  badge  thus  awarded 
him  shall  be  delivered  to  his  widow,  or,  if  there  be  no  widow,  to  any 
relative  the  President  may  adjudge  entitled  to  receive  it. 

This  act  was  published  in  an  order  from  the  office  of  the  Adjutant 
and  Inspector  General,  at  Richmond,  on  the  22nd  of  November,  1862, 
and  a 44  Roll  of  Honor  ” was  prepared,  bearing  the  names  of  those  con- 
sidered worthy  of  rewards  provided  for  in  it.  The  medal  and  badge  of 
distinction  were  never  conferred,  and  there  is  no  record  of  any  medal 
having  been  prepared,  for  this  or  any  other  purpose,  by  the  Confede- 
rate Government;  it  follows,  therefore,  that  what  we  can  class  as  Con- 
federate War  Medals  emanated  from  other  sources. 

THE  DAVIS  GUARD  MEDAL 

For  the  defense  of  Sabine  Pass,  Texas,  September  8,  1863.  A 
Mexican  silver  dollar,  each  side  smoothed  off  and  engraved. 

Obverse.  The  letters  d.  g.  below  which  is  a rude  cross  of  the  form 
known  as  cross  pattee. 

Reverse.  Inscription  in  three  lines  9Uine  | 9 %/a : M | sms. 


4 


War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


Border,  on  each  side,  a line,  about  one -eighth  of  an  inch  from  the 
edge,  from  which  groups  of  oblique  lines  extend  to  the  edge.  Loop  for 
suspension. 

The  following  three  reports,  by  officers  of  the  United  States  Navy 
are  interesting  as  describing  this  event  from  the  opposing  standpoint: 


Sir : 


IT.  S.  Steam  Sloop  Pensacola, 

New  Orleans,  Sept.  4,  1863. 


I have  the  honor  to  inform  the  Department  that  Major  General  Banks,  having 
organized  a force  of  4,000  men,  under  Major  General  Franklin,  to  effect  a landing  at 
Sabine  Pass  for  military  occupation,  and  requested  the  cooperation  of  the  Navy,  which 
I most  gladly  acceded  to,  I assigned  the  command  of  the  navy  force  to  Acting  Vol- 
unteer Lieut.  Frederick  Crocker,  commanding  United  States  Steamer  Clifton,  accom- 
panied by  Steamer  Sachem,  Acting  Volunteer  Lieut.  Amos  Johnson,  IT.  S.  Steamer 
Arizona,  Acting  Master  Howard  Tibbetts,  and  IT.  S.  Steamer  Granite  City,  Acting 
Master  C.  W.  Samson,  these  being  the  only  available  vessels  of  sufficient  light  draught 
at  my  disposal  for  that  service,  and  as  they  have  good  pilots,  I have  no  doubt  the 
force  is  quite  sufficient  for  the  object. 

The  defences  ashore  and  afloat  are  believed  to  consist  of  two  thirty-two  pounders 
en-barbette  and  a battery  of  field  pieces,  and  two  bay  boats  converted  into  rams. 

It  was  concerted  with  General  Franklin,  that  the  squadron  of  four  gun  boats, 
under  the  command  of  acting  Volunteer  Lieut.  Crocker,  should  make  the  attack  alone, 
assisted  by  about  150  sharp  shooters  from  the  army,  divided  among  his  vessels,  and 
having  driven  the  enemy  from  his  defences  or  driven  off  the  rams,  the  transports  are 
then  to  advance  and  land  the  troops. 

I regret  exceedingly  that  the  officers  and  crews  who  have  been  on  blockade  there 
cannot  participate  in  the  attack  in  consequence  of  the  excessive  draught  of  water 
drawn  by  their  vessels.  The  New  London,  drawing  nine  and  a half  feet,  is  the  light- 
est draught  of  all  the  blockaders,  and  has  made  repeated  attempts  to  go  in  alone,  but 
without  success. 

I have  the  honor  to  be  your  ob’t  svt. 


To  Hon.  Gideon  Welles, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


H.  H.  Bell, 

Commanding  W.  G.  B.  Squadron,  pro  tem. 


Sir : 


U.  S.  Steamer  Arizona, 

Sabine  Bar,  Sept.  10,  1863. 


At  6 A.  M.,  on  the  8th,  the  Clifton  stood  over  the  bar  and  opened  fire  on  the 
fort,  to  which  no  reply  was  made. 

At  9 A.  M.  the  Sachem,  Arizona  and  Granite  City,  followed  by  the  transports, 
stood  over  the  bar,  and  with  much  difficulty  owing  to  the  shallowness  of  the  water, 


War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


reached  anchorage  two  miles  from  the  fort  at  11  A.  M.,  the  gun  boats  covering  the 
transports. 

At  3.30  I*.  M.,  the  Sachem,  followed  by  the  Arizona,  advanced  up  the  eastern 
channel  to  draw  the  lire  of  the  forts,  while  the  Clifton  advanced  up  the  western  channel, 
followed  by  the  Granite  City,  to  cover  the  landing  of  a division  of  troops  under 
General  Weitzel. 

No  reply  to  the  lire  of  the  gunboats  was  made  until  we  were  abreast  of  the  forts, 
when  they  opened  with  eight  guns,  three  of  which  were  rifled,  almost  at  the  same 
moment. 

The  Clifton  and  Sachem  were  struck  in  their  boilers  enveloping  the  vessels  in 
steam. 

There  not  being  room  to  pass  the  Sachem,  this  vessel  was  backed  down  the  chan- 
nel and  a boat  sent  to  the  Sachem  which  returned  with  Engineer  Munroe  and  Fireman 
Lum,  badly  scalded,  (since  dead). 

The  Arizona  had  now  grounded  by  the  stern  ; the  ebb  tide  caught  her  bow  and 
swung  her  across  the  channel,  and  she  was  with  much  difficulty  extricated  from  the 
position,  owing  to  the  engine  becoming  heated  by  the  collection  of  mud  in  the  boilers. 

The  Hags  ol  the  Clifton  and  Sachem  were  run  down  and  white  flags  were  flying 
at  the  fore. 

As  all  the  transports  were  now  moving  out  of  the  bay,  this  vessel  remained  cov- 
ering their  movements  until  she  grounded. 

She  remained  until  midnight,  when  she  was  hedged  off  as  no  assistance  could  be 
had  from  any  of  the  tugs  of  the  expedition. 

There  are  now  on  board  this  vessel  William  Low,  Peter  Benson,  George  W. 
Meeker,  John  Howels,  Samuel  Smith  and  George  Horton,  of  the  crew  of  the  Sachem. 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

H.  Tibbets,  Acting  Master, 

To  Commodore  H.  II.  Bell,  U.  S.  Steamer  Arizona. 

Commanding  W.  G.  B.  Squadron, 

New  Orleans. 


Sir 


LT.  S.  Steamship  Pensacola, 

New  Orleans,  Sept.  13,  18t>3. 


My  despatch  No.  41  informed  you  of  the  repulse  of  the  expedition  to  the  Sabine 
Pass,  and  the  capture  of  the  Clifton,  Acting  Volunteer  Lieut.  Crocker,  and  the 
Sachem,  Acting  Volunteer  Lieut.  Amos  Johnson,  by  the  rebels,  and  the  safe  return  of 
the  troops  and  transports  to  the  river  without  loss. 

Lieutenants  Crocker  and  Johnson  are  reported  to  have  fought  their  vessels  gal- 
lantly, and  are  unhurt. 

The  rebel  steamers  took  the  Clifton  and  Sachem  in  tow  within  twenty  minutes 
of  their  surrender,  the  extent  of  their  damage  is  unknown. 


6 


War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


The  arrival  of  the  Owasco  this  morning  has  given  me  the  only  report  from  the 
naval  officers  concerned  I have  received. 

The  attack,  which  was  to  have  been  a surprise  and  made  at  early  dawn  on  the 
7th,  was  not  made  until  3 P.  M.  on  the  8th,  after  the  entire  expedition  had  appeared 
off  Sabine  Pass  for  28  hours,  and  a reconnoissance  had  been  made  on  the  morning  of 
the  8th  by  Generals  Franklin  and  Weitzel  and  Lieutenant  Commanding  Crocker,  when 
they  decided  on  form  of  attack  different  from  that  recommended  by  myself. 

1 have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  H.  Bell, 

Commanding  W.  G.  B.  Squadron,  pro  tern. 

To  Hon.  Gideon  Welles, 

Secretary  of  the  Nary. 

Sabine  Pass  is  the  outlet  to  Sabine  Lake,  which  is  on  the  border 
line  of  Texas  and  Louisiana  and  about  five  miles  back  from  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico.  The  Sabine  River,  which  flows  into  the  lake,  forms  a consid- 
erable portion  of  the  boundary  between  the  two  states.  Sabine  City 
was  the  terminus  of  a railroad  running  a considerable  distance  through 
eastern  Texas,  and  which  connected  with  another  road  leading  to 
Houston,  then  the  capital  of  the  state. 

General  Banks,  who  commanded  the  Federal  forces  in  that  region, 
fitted  out  this  expedition  with  the  idea  of  landing  a large  force  to  march 
on  Houston,  planning  to  follow  it  up  with  reinforcements  until  he 
should  have  a force  of  about  15,000  concentrated  there. 

The  fort  at  Sabine  Pass  was  garrisoned  by  a company  of  forty  - 
seven  Irishmen  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Richard  W.  Dowling,  who 
was  usually  known  as  Dick  Dowling.  The  other  members  of  the  com- 
pany were  as  follows: 


Patrick  Abbott 

John  Ilassott 

Daniel  McMurray 

Michael  Carr 

James  Higgins 

Michael  Monoghan 

Abner  R.  Carter 

Timothy  Hurley 

Richard  O’Hara 

Patrick  Clair 

John  Hennessey 

Laurence  Plunkett 

James  Corcoran 

Thomas  Hagerty 

Edward  Pritchard 

Hugh  Deagan 

Timothy  Huggins 

Maurice  Powers 

Michael  Delaney 

William  Hardin 

Charles  Rheins 

Thomas  Daugherty 

W.  L.  Jett 

Thomas  Sullivan 

John  A.  Drummond 

Patrick  Malone 

Michael  Sullivan 

Daniel  Donovan 

Thomas  McKernon 

Patrick  Sullivan 

Michael  Eagan 

John  McKeever 

Matthew  Walsh 

David  Fitzgerald 

Alexander  McCabe 

Jack  W.  White 

Patrick  Fitzgerald 

Timothy  McDonough 

John  Wesley 

James  Fleming 

Patrick  McDonnell 

Joseph  Wilson 

John  Flood 

John  McGrath 

William  Gleason 

John  McXealis 

War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


i 


This  company  was  known  as  the  Davis  Guard.  At  the  time  of  the 
attack,  forty -one  out  of  the  forty -seven  were  in  the  fort,  one  being- 
absent  on  leave  and  five  sick  in  the  hospital.  In  addition  to  these  were 
two  officers,  Lieutenant  N.  W.  Smith  and  Dr.  C.  H.  Bailey,  the  post 
surgeon,  who,  being  in  the  neighborhood,  volunteered  for  the  occasion, 
making  forty-three  defenders  in  all.  Lossing,  describing  this  action 
in  the  Field  Book  of  the  Civil  War,  states  that  the  losses  of  the  attack- 
ing party  were  two  hundred  prisoners  and  about  fifty  killed  and 
wounded,  in  addition  to  the  two  gun  boats  which  mounted  fifteen 
heavy  guns.  The  defenders  did  not  lose  a man,  and  it  is  said  that  it 
was  quite  a problem  for  so  small  a body  of  men  to  take  charge  of  such 
a large  number  of  prisoners,  and  that  when  the  garrison  marched  out 
to  secure  the  prisoners,  but  very  few  men  were  left  in  the  fort  with 
instructions  to  most  energetically  patrol  the  ramparts  so  as  to  create 
the  impression  that  the  fort  had  not  been  left  empty. 

After  this  defeat,  the  proposed  movement  on  Houston  was  aban- 
doned, much  to  the  gratification  of  citizens  of  that  part  of  Texas,  and 
on  the  8th  of  September,  18(14,  the  first  anniversary  of  the  battle,  the 
ladies  of  Houston  presented  a medal  to  each  member  of  the  Davis 
Guard,  and  to  the  two  volunteers  who  were  with  them.  Forty -nine 
of  these  medals  were  presented,  those  members  of  the  Guard,  who 
were  unavoidably  absent,  also  receiving  them.  It  is  stated  that  some 
time  later  President  Davis  visited  that  locality,  and  the  Guard  had 
another  medal  made  and  presented  it  to  him. 

The  following  resolutions  of  the  Confederate  Congress  were  ap- 
proved February  8th,  1864: 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  Congress  are  eminently  due,  and  are  hereby  cor- 
dially given,  to  Captain  Odium,  Lieutenant  Richard  Dowling,  and  the  forty-one  men 
composing  the  Davis  Guards,  under  their  command,  for  their  daring,  gallant,  and  suc- 
cessful defense  of  Sabine  Pass,  Texas,  against  the  attack  made  by  the  enein}r  on  the 
eighth  of  September  last,  with  a fleet  of  five  gunboats  and  twenty-two  steam  trans- 
ports, carrying  a landing  force  of  fifteen  thousand  men. 

Resolved , That  this  defense,  resulting,  under  the  providence  of  God,  in  the  de- 
feat of  the  enemy,  the  capture  of  two  gunboats,  with  more  than  three  hundred  priso- 
ners, including  the  commander  of  the  fleet,  the  crippling  of  a third  gunboat,  the 
dispersion  of  the  transports,  and  preventing  the  invasion  of  Texas,  constitutes,  in  the 
opinion  of  Congress,  one  of  the  most  brilliant  and  heroic  achievements  in  the  histor}* 
of  this  war,  and  entitles  the  Davis  Guards  to  the  gratitude  and  admiration  of  their 
country. 

Resolved , That  the  President  be  requested  to  communicate  the  foregoing  reso- 
lutions to  Captain  Odium,  Lieutenant  Dowling,  and  the  men  under  their  command. 


8 


War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


Captain  Frank  H.  Odium  appears  to  have  been  nominally  in  eom- 
mand  of  the  Davis  Guards,  but  1 can  find  no  record  of  his  presence  in 
the  fort  at  the  time  of  the  attack,  nor  of  a medal  being  presented  to 
him. 

The  Dick  Dowling  Camp  of  the  United  Confederate  Veterans  erected 
a statue  of  Dick  Dowling  in  the  City  Hall  grounds  at  Houston,  on  it  the 
names  of  the  defenders  are  inscribed,  and  under  it  was  placed  one  of 
the  medals.  Another  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Daughters  of  the  Con- 
federacy, and,  1 am  informed,  is  now  in  the  museum  formed  by  them 
in  the  state  capital  building  at  Austin.  An  illustration  of  the.  medal 
appears  in  Lossing’s  Field  Book  of  the  Civil  War,  and  it  is  stated  that 
it  was  from  a medal  at  that  time  in  the  possession  of  Thomas  H.  Thor- 
well,  of  New  York  City,  what  has  since  become  of  it,  1 do  not  know. 

Dick  Dowling  died  of  yellow  fever  in  18G7,  and  his  medal  became 
the  property  of  his  daughter.  Some  years  ago  it  was  obtained  by  Mr. 
J.  Coolidge  Hills,  of  Hartford,  Connecticut,  and  was  left  by  him  to  the 
Wadsworth  Athenaeum,  in  Hartford,  where  it  now  is. 

The  only  other  medal  that  1 have  been  able  to  trace  is  the  one  in 
the  collection  of  The  American  Numismatic  Society,  which  originally 
belonged  to  Private  Michael  Carr,  and  was  obtained  for  the  Society  in 
1909  by  Colonel  Philip  H.  Fall,  of  Houston,  Texas,  at  that  time  the 
Commander  of  the  Dick  Dowling  Camp. 


NEW  MARKET  CROSS  OF  HONOR 


A twelve  pointed  variation  of  the  cross  pattee  resting  on  a wreath, 
in  the  centre  a circular  medallion  hearing  the  seal  of  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia. The  four  arms  of  the  cross  inscribed  v • m • i ■ cadet  battalion 
new  market  may  15,  18G4.  The  reverse  is  a smooth  surface  on  which 
is  stamped  v • m • i • alumni  ass’n.  to  leaving  blank  space  for  the  name 
of  the  recipient.  The  cross  is  suspended  by  two  chains,  of  three  links 
each,  from  an  ornamental  clasp,  inscribed  for  valor.  Bronze.  Size 
40mm.  exclusive  of  clasp. 

One  of  the  oldest  and  most  famous  institutions  of  learning  in  the 
Southern  states  is  the  Virginia  Military  Institute,  at  Lexington,  Vir- 
ginia, which  was  founded  in  1839.  At  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  War 
the  distinguished  Confederate  Stonewall  " Jackson  was  a member  of 
the  faculty.  Among  its  graduates  were  live  major  generals,  nineteen 
brigadier  generals  and  over  live  hundred  officers  who  served  in  the 
Confederate  Army. 


War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


U 


To  carry  out  a scheme  of  cooperation  with  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac, General  Franz  Sigel,  with  about  eight  thousand  troops,  started 
up  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  on  the  first  of  May,  1864,  intending  to 
march  to  Staunton,  at  the  head  of  the  valley,  cross  the  Blue  Ridge 
from  there  to  Charlottesville,  and  continue  further  operations  as  cir- 
cumstances might  direct. 

At  New  Market,  about  fifty  miles  from  Winchester,  he  was  met  on 
May  15th  by  the  Confederate  General  John  C.  Breckinridge,  with  a 
somewhat  smaller  force,  and  decisively  defeated,  being  driven  back 
about  thirty  miles,  with  a loss  of  seven  hundred  men,  six  guns  and 
considerable  other  supplies. 

General  Breckenridge’s  force  had  been  hastily  gathered,  and,  with 
the  permission  of  the  Governor  of  Virginia,  the  Cadet  Battalion  of  the 
Virginia  Military  Institute,  consisting  of  two  hundred  and  ninety -four 
boys,  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  years  of  age,  volunteered.  The  services 
of  two  hundred  and  fifty  were  accepted,  the  remainder  being  either 
left  on  guard  at  the  Institute  or  sick  in  the  hospital.  They  behaved 
with  great  courage  during  the  battle,  about  one-quarter  of  their  num- 
ber being  killed  or  wounded. 

Forty  years  later  the  Alumni  Association  of  the  Virginia  Military 
Institute,  presented  a bronze  cross  to  each  survivor  of  the  two  hundred 
and  ninety -four  Cadets,  and  to  the  families  of  those  no  longer  living. 

THE  SOUTHERN  CROSS  OF  HONOR 

Bronze  cross  pattee,  bearing  in  the  centre  a laurel  wreath  encir- 
cling the  inscription  in  four  lines,  deo  vindice  1861  1865.  The  four 
arms  of  the  cross  inscribed  southern  cross  of  honor 

Reverse.  In  the  centre  a similar  wreath  encircling  the  Confederate 
battle  flag,  the  four  arms  of  the  cross  inscribed  united  daughters  con- 
federacy to  the  u.  c.  v.  Suspended  from  a plain  bar,  on  which  the 
name  of  the  recipient  may  be  engraved. 

At  a meeting  of  the  Athens  (Georgia)  Chapter  of  the  Daughters 
of  the  Confederacy  held  late  in  the  summer  of  1898,  the  following  reso- 
lutions were  presented  by  Mrs.  Mary  Cobb  Erwin,  and  were  enthusi- 
astically received  and  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  been  the  custom  of  every  civilized  nation  to  bestow  upon  its 
members  of  the  Army  and  Navy,  and  such  others  as  peculiarly  deserve  it,  medals  and 
crosses  of  honor,  such  as  the  Victoria  Cross  of  England,  the  Iron  Cross  of  Germany, 
and  the  Cross  of  the  Legion  of  Honor  of  France,  and  medals  and  crosses  bestowed  by 
the  United  States  Government  ; and 


10 


War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


Whereas,  We,  the  Daughters  of  the  (confederacy,  recognizing  the  fact  that  the 
army  and  navy  of  the  Confederate  States  have  never  had  such  decorations  conferred 
upon  them,  consider  it  especially  our  duty  and  privilege  to  supply  the  deficiency;  and 

Whereas,  Every  veteran  of  the  army  and  navy  of  the  Confederate  States  “quitted 
themselves  like  men"  in  the  “times  that  tried  men’s  souls,”  and  gave  an  exhibition  of 
dauntless  and  unyielding  courage  in  the  face  of  overwhelming  odds,  such  as  has  never 
been  known  in  the  history  of  the  world,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  Daughters  of  the  Confederacy,  do  confer  upon  each  and 
every  member  of  the  Army  and  Navy  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America  a cross,  to 
be  known  as  “ The  Southern  Cross  of  the  Legion  of  Honor,”  to  be  handed  down  from 
one  generation  to  another  as  the  most  priceless  heritage,  bought  as  it  was,  with  the 
blood  of  their  fathers,  and  though  of  no  intrinsic  value  within  itself,  to  stand  as  a 
record  for  all  time  of  the  memory  of  those  men  who  represented  all  that  was  lofty  in 
principle,  pure  in  patriotism,  and  dauntless  in  courage. 

Resolved,  That  upon  those  who  distinguished  themselves  by  remarkable  feats  of 
courage,  the  cross  to  be  attached  to  a laurel  leaf  pin,  to  distinguish  it  as  a special  mark 
of  valor. 

Resolved , That  it  be  made  a feature  of  Memorial  Day  to  confer  these  crosses. 

These  resolutions  were  referred  to  the  Georgia  state  division  of  the 
Daughters  of  the  Confederacy  and  were  approved  in  October,  1898, 
and  referred  to  the  main  society  for  final  adoption,  which  took  place  in 
November,  1899,  a committee  at  that  time  being  appointed  to  prepare 
a design.  The  cross  was  designed  by  Mrs.  S.  E.  Gabbett,  of  Atlanta, 
Georgia,  and  the  first  presentation  to  Confederate  veterans  took  place 
on  the  Confederate  Memorial  Day,  April  26,  1900,  about  twenty -five 
hundred  crosses  being  distributed  at  that  time.  The  distribution  would 
have  been  much  larger  had  it  not  been  that  the  manufacturer  failed  to 
supply  the  amount  needed. 

Since  that  time  the  Southern  Cross  of  Honor,  as  it  has  since  been 
called,  has  been  bestowed  upon  many  thousands  of  Confederate  vete- 
rans, and  it  is  still  being  given  to  such  as  are  entitled  to  receive  it.  In 
spite  of  the  immense  number  of  crosses  that  have  been  distributed,  it 
is  almost  impossible  to  obtain  a specimen,  so  highly  are  they  valued  by 
those  who  possess  them. 

The  American  Numismatic  Society  is  fortunate  in  possessing  two 
specimens  of  the  Southern  Cross  of  Honor,  one  of  which  was  presented 
by  the  brother  of  a deceased  Confederate  soldier,  who  gave  it  for  the 
reason  that  he  wanted  to  place  his  brother’s  cross  where  it  would  have 
a permanent  home,  and  never  be  passed  from  hand  to  hand,  as  having 
a value  simply  commercial. 


War  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


11 


During  the  Civil  War  there  were  many  small  bands  of  irregular 
troops  operating  in  the  states  west  of  the  Mississippi. 

Lossing  states,  in  the  Field  Book  of  the  Civil  War,  Vol.  I,  page 
477,  that  three  of  the  most  noted  leaders  of  these  irregular  bands  were 
named  Taylor,  Anderson  and  Tod,  and  that  they  u gave  to  the  bravest 
of  their  followers  a silver  badge,  star  shaped,  and  bearing  their  names.” 


The  badge,  from  which  the  illustration  was  made,  was,  in  1865,  in 
the  possession  of  Mr.  John  Ross,  former  Chief  of  the  Cherokee  Indians, 
who  was  at  that  time  residing  in  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Lossing  states 
that  it  is  the  exact  size  of  the  original. 

I have  never  seen  any  of  these  badges,  nor  any  other  mention  of 
them. 

There  are  two  small  silver  medals  regarding  which  the  information 
at  hand  is  meagre  and  unsatisfactory.  The  first  of  these  is  mentioned 
in  a short  article  on  page  95  of  the  second  volume  of  the  American 
Journal  of  Numismatic  (February,  1868),  describing  two  medals  be- 
longing to  Dr.  Thomas  Addis  Emmet,  of  New  York. 

It  bears  on  the  obverse  the  head  of  Gen.  Beauregard  facing  left. 
Legend,  g.  t.  Beauregard,  brig.  gen.  c • s • a.  Below,  the  initials  of 
the  engraver,  c.  R. 

Reverse.  Inscription  in  four  lines,  manassas  21  july  1861  encircled 
by  a laurel  wreath. 

Size  18mm.  Short  die -projecting  loop  for  suspension,  reeded  edge. 

The  article  states: — “ The  Beauregard  medal,  which  has  the  origi- 
nal red  ribbon  still  attached  to  it,  was  sold  by  a Confederate  soldier  in 
New  York.  It  is  one  of  a number  presented  by  the  city  of  New  Orleans 
immediately  after  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run.” 


12 


W Ait  Medals  of  the  Confederacy 


The  other  medal  is  of  the  same  size,  has  a similar  loop  and  edge, 
and  is  by  the  same  engraver.  The  obverse  bears  the  head  of  Jefferson 
Davis  facing  left.  Legend,  Jefferson  davis  below,  c.  r. 

Reverse.  Legend,  c s a first  president.  In  centre,  1861,  encircled 
by  a laurel  wreath. 

These  two  medals  are  described  and  illustrated  in  the  catalogue  of 
the  collection  of  Benjamin  Betts  (Nos.  393  and  394),  sold  by  Lyman 
H.  Low,  January  11  and  12,  1898. 

While  they  were  undoubtedly  struck  either  during  the  Civil  War, 
or  shortly  after  it,  I doubt  exceedingly  if  they  were  ever  awarded  to 
Confederate  soldiers.  They  may  have  been,  but  I think  it  is  more 
likely  that  they  were  struck  as  commemorative  souvenirs.  A little 
more  definite  light  on  their  history  would  be  of  much  interest. 

A specimen  of  the  Davis  medal  is  in  the  collection  of  The  Ameri- 
can Numismatic  Society ; the  Beauregard  medal  I have  never  seen. 

There  are  a number  of  badges  of  Confederate  Veteran  Societies, 
that  are  of  much  interest,  though  their  description  would  be  out  of 
place  in  this  paper,  but  even  with  these,  and  including  medals  of  re- 
unions and  anniversaries,  there  are  but  few  medallic  memorials  left  to 
tell  us  of  “ the  lost  cause.” 


Plate  I 


THE  DAVIS  GUARD  MEDAL 


NOTES 


SPECIAL  BABIN  CATALOGUES 

NAZI  MEDALS  AND  DECORATIONS  BY  SAWICKI 

84  Pages  with  199  Illustrations 

401  items  listed  with  dates  and  reason  for  issuance.  Plus  section  of  German  Medals  1870- 
1933:32  ills.,  38  medals  listed  with  complete  list  of  pertaining  bars.  Only  authoritative  book 
of  its  kind  published  in  English.  LIMITED  EDITION.  $3.00 

UNIFORMS  AND  INSIGNIA  OF  THE  NATIONAL  SOCIALIST  GERMAN  WORKERS  PARTY 
(NAZI)  68  plates  Uniforms,  insignia,  medals,  flags,  armbands.  $1.50 

WAR  MEDALS  OF  THE  CONFEDERACY  by  Belden,  1912.  BABIN  REPRINT.  75c 

CAP  BADGES  OF  THE  CANADIAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES  1914-1919 

48  pages  45  different  categories 

530  illustrations  642  badges  listed 

Many  Commanding  Officers  and  Unit  strength  are  listed. 

Includes  list  of  foreign  mottos  on  badges  and  translations. 

13  months  research.  ONLY  BOOK  OF  ITS  KIND.  $3.00 

F-28  FOREIGN  WAR  MEDAL  CATALOGUE  F-28 

691  Illustrations  1628  Medals  Priced 

ILLUSTRATED-PRICED 

$2.00  52  pages.  My  Sales  Catalogue  $2.00 

U.  S.  PRESIDENTIAL  CANDIDATES  1789-1956 
With  Vice  Presidential  Candidates  Of  All  Parties 
(Includes  All  of  The  Minor  Parties) 

$1.00  Very  Complete  Historical  Guide.  $1.00 

JAP  WAR  MEDAL  CATALOGUE  NAZI  WAR  MEDAL  CATALOGUE 

ILLUSTRATED-PRICED  ILLUSTRATED-PRICED 

$1.00  $1.00 

INDIAN  PEACE  MEDALS  ISSUED  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  by  Belden  1927. 

46  Pages  plus  22  plates  of  74  medals  illustrated.  Only  350  printed. 

BABIN  REPRINT,  Pocket  size  5V2  X8V2".  Limited  Edition.  $5.00 

THE  MEDALS  AND  TOKENS  OF  HENRY  CLAY  by  T.  L.  Elder,  January  1918. 

15  pages  illustrated  in  text.  $1.00 

ELONGATED  ROLLED  OUT  CENTS.  Illustrated  Checklist.  Vol.  No.  1.  150  full  size 
illustrations,  169  different  varieties  listed.  By  BABIN,  1961.  $1.00 

THE  RUSSIAN  IMPERIAL  ORDERS  by  A.  W.  Hazelton,  1932.  102  pages,  20  plates. 

BABIN  Reprint.  Pocket  size.  $3.00 

(Medals  and  Tokens)  PRESIDENTS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  AND  OF  PRESIDENTIAL 
CANDIDATES,  JOHN  ADAMS  - ABRAHAM  LINCOLN  INCLUSIVE  by  Satterlee,  1862. 

84  pages.  BABIN  REPRINT  $3.00 

FULL  TIME  PROFESSIONAL  DEALER  SINCE  1928. 

RIBBONS  AND  MEDALS  by  Dorling  Ribbons  colored.  Fully  Illustrated.  $5.50 

CORONATION  AND  COMMEMORATIVE  MEDALS  by  H.  W.  Cole,  Illustrated.  $2.00 

A History  of  the  UNIFORMS  OF  THE  BRITISH  ARMY  by  Major  Barnes,  336  pages, 

24  plates  in  brilliant  color.  Fine  for  miniaturists  $6.50 

MOUNTED  TROOPS  OF  THE  BRITISH  ARMY  1066-1945  by  Colonel  H.  C.  Rogers 
Profusely  illustrated  in  color  and  b/w.  1959.  $6.50 

THE  UNIFORMS  AND  HISTORY  OF  THE  SCOTTISH  REGIMENTS  by  Major  Barnes, 

351  pages,  12  color  plates.  Many  b/w.  illustrations.  $6.50 


BR.  MEDAL  CHART  (in  color)  folded.  Full  size  Illustrations 


$2.50 


CORONATION  AND  COMMEMORATIVE  MEDALS 


REGIMENTAL  BADGES  by  Edwards,  Illustrations 
MODEL  SOLDIERS  by  Garratt,  Illustrations 


(Br),  Cole.  Illustrations 

$5.50 
$6.50 


$2.50 


I WISH  TO  PURCHASE 

United  States  and  Foreign  War  Medals,  Orders  and  Decorations.  U.  S.  and  Foreign  Law 
Enforcement  Shields  and  Medals,  National  G.A.R.  Encampment  Delegates,  and  Representative 
Badges,  Firemen  Shields,  Rolled  Out  Cents,  Old  Handcuffs  and  Leg  Irons,  Indian  Peace  Medals, 
Political  Ferrotype,  Tokens,  Fine  U.  S.  and  Foreign  Coins.  PRESIDENTIAL  POLITICAL  CAM- 
PAIGN MATERIAL:  Badges,  Buttons,  Banners,  Medals.  MILITARY:  Insignia,  Relics,  Curios, 
Swords,  Bayonets,  Pistols,  Rifles,  Ammunition.  Please  send  description  and  price  in  first  letter. 

WEY  AVE.,  cor.  RIDGE  ROAD  W.,  ROCHESTER,  H.Y.  14615,  U.S.A. 


GETTY  CENTER  LIBRARY 


